French Conversation · Level 120
57 words
French word
précoce
Pronunciation
IPA/pʁekɔs/
Meaning
- adjectiveprecocious
Example
Cet enfant est précoce.
This child is precocious.
More examples
La puberté précoce peut inquiéter les parents.
Early puberty can worry parents.
Core concept
A child, flower, or event reaching its next stage ahead of the usual time.
Common phrases
enfant précoce
precocious child
puberté précoce
early puberty
diagnostic précoce
early diagnosis
Similar words
prématuré: Occurring or taking place before the proper or expected time.
avancé: Further along than usual in skill, knowledge, or understanding.
développé: Showing solid progress in growth, development, or ability.
Definition in French
Qui montre une maturation ou une apparition à un stade plus précoce que l'habitude; s'emploie pour des êtres vivants, des phénomènes ou des événements.
Word origin
French précoce comes from Latin praecox, from prae- meaning 'before' and coquere meaning 'to cook or ripen,' through Old French.
Usage tips
- For a child, précoce often signals advanced intellectual development, not necessarily broader emotional or behavioral maturity.
Other meanings
- earlyadjective
- prematureadjective
Opposites
- tardiflateadjective
Related words
- précocitéprecocitynoun
- précocementearlyadverb